Bistro BE, Brickell’s exciting new authentic Belgian restaurant, made its highly anticipated debut. The chic and sophisticated eatery aims to enchant Miami palates with a lively food and drink scene, featuring an expansive menu of Belgian delights and extensive beer list, with upwards of 70 different selections!

Working in tandem with restaurant owners Emmanuel Verschueren and Tim Michels, executive chef Frederik Appelt oversees the menu, which showcases the sophisticated French technique and bold flavors Belgian cuisine is known for. A newcomer to Miami, the Belgian-born chef is no stranger to the kitchen. Appelt previously served as executive chef at some of Belgium’s most esteemed restaurants, including Bistro Kosmopole, one of the most visited restaurants in Leuven, as well as Gastropub de Molen, widely recognized during Appelt’s tenure as one of the country’s best restaurant’s offering classic Belgian fare.

Digest Miami hosted a private Belgian Beer Dinner at the newly opened Bistro BE in Brickell with Stella Artois and flew in Master Beer Sommelier Marc Stroobandt to curate this special multi-course, beer paired dinner. Stroobandt travels the world inspiring and educating people. He has a profound knowledge of his subject and enduring relationships with both beer producers & the hospitality industry. He is a leading authority in the art and science of food and beer pairing and has created a number of programs to bring that knowledge to others.

The evening began with a welcome reception featuring small bites and a cheese tasting, followed by a demonstration of the 9-step Stella Artois Pouring Ritual and seated dinner.

Stella Artois cider a delicious gluten-free beer made with hand-picked American apples grown wine growing regions and other secrets ingredient. Pro-Tip: A a bit of orange juice and it tastes just like apple pie.

Hoegaarden is a goes well with Indian and Thai Food.  Pro Tip: Serve it in Champagne glasses and no one will know the difference.

Leffe pronounced leff or leffe. It’s an abbey beer. The more you drink, the more you drink in youth. Pro Tip: Leffe blond is great to have waffles in the afternoon or with dessert.

Beer Pro Tip: Some beers taste good, but don’t smell nice. When this is the case, use a straight glass.  If it smells good, use a fancy glass.

We also took part in the super cute “I drink to your face” ritual,  crossing hands to touch glasses to each others’ cheeks.

With beer culture so closely tied to Belgian culture, the beer menu boasts a staggering list of rare Belgian brews, as well as recognizable brands. There are more than 70 different selections available by the bottle and eight on tap. Servers are also trained in beer etiquette, from pouring technique down to the proper glassware. Central to the design of the dining room is a wall display behind the bar showcasing glassware for each of the beers served. Guests will also find a comprehensive list of well-priced wines by the glass or bottle to complement their meal.

Bistro BE brings guests as close to Belgium as one can get without a passport. The sleek, contemporary décor is reminiscent of a modern Belgian bistro with blond wood, white furnishings and modernist lighting. The 1,970 square-foot restaurant seats approximately 110, including communal chef’s tables positioned adjacent to the airy open kitchen, a spacious bar and covered patio.

Bistro BE is open daily for lunch and dinner, 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Brunch will launch at a later date. Located on the north side of the Axis Building at 1111 SW 1st Avenue in downtown Miami. Street and municipal parking available. Telephone: (305) 375-0975; www.BistroBE.com.